One of the categories that seems not to be too affected by the rise of SUV vehicles is that of B-segment utilities. It is a very traditional and highly successful segment in our country, accounting for more or less 20% of sales in Spain. Two very heavy models have recently been renewed in this category, the Ford Fiesta and Seat Ibiza.
Although there are many models within this segment B, we want to make a comparison between the Ford Fiesta and the Seat Ibiza because both have been successful vehicles in our country for many years, their price is close to each other and their character is similar. Both the American and Spanish models convey a more youthful spirit than many of their rivals. So let's compare them and see which one is better to buy. Will it be the Ford Fiesta or will it be the Seat Ibiza?
Exterior design
I always say that in the design section I prefer not to get too involved. On the one hand, because you already see aesthetics through the images and, on the other hand, because tastes are personal. However, it is necessary to give a few strokes to understand the design language Of each model.
In the case of Ford Fiesta, the American brand has decided to keep part of the front of the previous model but softening its lines, with less aggressive headlights and more rounded shapes. The grill of Ford Fiesta, which by its design reminds us so much of Aston Martin, provides that notable point of elegance.
The look of Seat Ibiza it is something more passionate, more Mediterranean. Although the front is practically copied from the León, in this new generation the Seat Ibiza It continues to transmit that dynamic character that has characterized it in each and every one of the previous generations, especially in the sportier versions, such as the FR finish that we tested just a few weeks ago.
If we look at both models from a side view, the tension lines of the doors of the Ford Fiesta and the elevation of its belt line is more reminiscent of a minivan silhouette, allowing some rear pilots to appear as well as a raised position in the rear wings. For its part, the shapes of the Seat Ibiza remind us more of a more traditional utility vehicle, with more horizontal lines and more common proportions.
If we go to rear, the utility vehicle of the blue oval brand conveys a greater sense of width than the Spanish because it has larger and more horizontal pilots. The hips also look wider in the Fiesta. The Martorell model, for its part, has smaller but more stylized taillights and more marked and dynamic shapes in the rear bumper. Both have black plastic in the lower area of the rear to give one more point of visual sportiness.
Interior design and qualities
Once seen the exterior, we go with the interior of the two protagonists of these lines. We have two different styles In terms of design, but the truth is that both have improved significantly compared to their predecessor models, both in quality and functionality. In both we find a very complete instrument panel, with an information screen between the two main clocks, and a up to 8-inch screen in the center of the dashboard for all infotainment functions. However, the configuration is different.
In the Ford Fiesta we have the main screen in a raised position, which notably improves its visibility and prevents us from having to look too far away from the road to make any queries. For its part, in the Seat Ibiza It sits in a lower position but seems more integrated into the vehicle's design. The quality in both cases is very good, showing great fluidity. Both they can have navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and some specific applications.
Regarding the frills, the Fiesta has a better touch, but it is somewhat saturated with buttons and it costs a little more to adapt to them than in the Ibiza, which are placed in a more intuitive way. And speaking of buttons, the sensation to the touch in them is of higher quality in the Seat, although this does not always mean greater durability or better passage of time.
the seat Ibiza is a point slightly above in terms of quality of the materials used. In the Fiesta, some plastics are harder and have a less accomplished feel. Of course, it is not that in the blue oval model they are bad, far from it, only that in the Seat they are very successful. Probably, within this category, they are only timidly bettered by the Volkswagen Polo (you can read the test here) And the new Audi A1 which is around the corner.
Exterior dimensions, interior space and trunk capacity
Long Jump | Width | High jump | Battle | trunk capacity | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Long Jump | Width | High jump | Battle | trunk capacity | |
Ford Fiesta | 4.040 mm | 1.735 mm | 1.476 mm | 2.493 mm | 303 liters |
Seat Ibiza | 4.059 mm | 1.780 mm | 1.444 mm | 2.564 mm | 355 liters |
As you can see in the table above, the difference in length between both models is just 2 cm, so it is barely noticeable. However, in the other dimensions there are more variations. The Ibiza is 4,5 cm wider, which will clearly affect the interior space, as does the battle, which is 7,1 cm larger. The Fiesta, yes, gains in body height.
The width and wheelbase data indicate how usable the interior will be -especially in the rear seats- to travel comfortably with several adults. In this case, the Seat Ibiza wins the Ford Fiesta by a landslide, on paper.
After having tried both models, I can confirm that the Seat Ibiza is much more capable when traveling four occupants, noting wide both in space for legs and feet and in width. A fifth occupant, yes, greatly compromises the comfort of others. It is true that in height it is somewhat fairer, although this level is still good. In the Ford Fiesta it travels in a narrower way when four adults go, especially suffering from legroom in the rear seats.
Finally, the trunk. In this area, the Seat Ibiza also clearly wins, although the cargo space of the Fiesta is not bad. The Ibiza has the largest trunk in the category with its 355 liters, while the Ford Fiesta is more or less in the segment average thanks to its 303 liters. Of course, the Fiesta will be overtaking its rivals as they are updated over the next few years.
The general summary of this section is that the Seat Ibiza makes much better use of space than the Ford Fiesta. Despite being practically the same length, the Spanish model obtains more interior longitudinal space and a larger trunk, placing the wheels closer to the corners of the body.
Bodywork offer
One of the most positive aspects of the new generation of the Ford Fiesta is its variety of styles. In addition to being available in both three-door and five-door bodies, the Fiesta offers several different styles that vary the exterior aesthetics, being able to bet on a normal image (Trend and Titanium), another more elegant (Vignale), a more sporty one (ST -Line) and another with a more country and adventurous design (Active). Sporty also available Ford Fiesta ST, with no less than 200 hp.
The Seat Ibiza, for its part, can only be configured with a five-door body. It also has finishes that vary the aesthetic character of the model, with the Xcellence being the most focused on luxury and quality finishes, and the FR (finish that we see in the images) betting more on sportiness. No high-performance version of the Seat Ibiza is expected, but it will come under the new Cupra brand as Cupra Ibiza.
mechanical offer
Both the Ford Fiesta and the Seat Ibiza are available with several petrol and diesel mechanical options, and with manual and automatic changes. Yes indeed, none offer hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric powertrains (At least for the moment). Depending on each version, we find three and four cylinder engines.
In the case of Seat Ibiza, a TGI version is available which is adapted as standard to use both NCG (Compressed Natural Gas) such as gasoline as fuels. Of course, in this case about a third of the trunk capacity is lost.
Ford Fiesta engines
Denomination | Number of cylinders | Displacement | Power | Motor torque | Approved consumption |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Denomination | Number of cylinders | Displacement | Power | Motor torque | Approved consumption |
1.1 Ti-VCT | 3 cylinder | 1.084 cc | 70 CV | 110 Nm | 4.4 l / 100 km |
1.1 Ti-VCT | 3 cylinder | 1.084 cc | 85 CV | 110 Nm | 4.4 l / 100 km |
1.0 EcoBoost | 3 cylinder | 998 cc | 100 CV | 170 Nm | 4.3 l / 100 km |
1.0 EcoBoost | 3 cylinder | 998 cc | 125 CV | 170 Nm | 4.3 l / 100 km |
1.0 EcoBoost | 3 cylinder | 998 cc | 140 CV | 180 Nm | 4.5 l / 100 km |
1.5 TDCi | 4 cylinder | 1.499 cc | 85 CV | 215 Nm | 3.2 l / 100 km |
1.5 TDCi | 4 cylinder | 1.499 cc | 120 CV | 270 Nm | 3.5 l / 100 km |
Seat Ibiza engines
Denomination | Number of cylinders | Displacement | Power | Motor torque | Approved consumption |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Denomination | Number of cylinders | Displacement | Power | Motor torque | Approved consumption |
1.0 TSI | 3 cylinder | 999 cc | 95 CV | 175 Nm | 4.7 l / 100 km |
1.0 TSI | 3 cylinder | 999 cc | 115 CV | 200 Nm | 4.7 l / 100 km |
1.6 TDI | 4 cylinder | 1.598 cc | 80 CV | 230 Nm | 3.8 l / 100 km |
1.6 TDI | 4 cylinder | 1.598 cc | 95 CV | 250 Nm | 3.8 l / 100 km |
1.6 TDI | 4 cylinder | 1.598 cc | 115 CV | 250 Nm | 3.9 l / 100 km |
1.0 TGI | 3 cylinder | 999 cc | 90 CV | 160 Nm | 5 l/100 km (petrol) / 4.9 m3/100 km (CNG) |
Behavior
Few differences are usually seen in the behavior of two models of the same category, the variations that we can find between one and the other being rather small details. Both are very fit, comfortable and versatile both for urban use and for a long trip. But let's look for those differences.
El Ford Fiesta from previous generations was characterized by offering a stable behavior during normal driving but lively when looking for a little fun in conventional versions. The new (you can see the full test this article) model has improved its poise at high speed, on the highway, conveying a greater sense of security; but not for that he has lost all that agility and fun that has always characterized him.
In turn, the Seat Ibiza (you can see the full test this article) is even more established on the road at high speed than the Fiesta, so much so that it really seems that we are driving a superior model, such as the Seat Leon. This is due to the wider track width and longer wheelbase. However, and although it is agile on mountainous roads, it is not so much fun when it comes to seeking sensations driving on a twisty stretch.
To conclude, say that in terms of soundproofing aerodynamics both are at a very high level. The noise of the engine is also well isolated in both, although it is true that the Ibiza's TDI diesel mechanics are noticeable when cold and during strong accelerations, being better solved in the Fiesta.
Security systems
Depending on the versions, both in the Ford Fiesta and in the Seat Ibiza, we will have active safety systems and driving assistants such as adaptive cruise control, speed limiter, automatic high beams, cross traffic alert, autonomous emergency braking, fatigue detection, involuntary lane change alert or traffic sign recognition, among others. Of course, in the Ford model we cannot opt for full LED lighting headlights, while in the Seat it is.
EuroNCAP results
Regarding the results in the famous EuroNCAP safety test, both get the ever-pursued 5 stars. Here is a breakdown of their scores:
Ford Fiesta | Seat Ibiza | |
---|---|---|
Ford Fiesta | Seat Ibiza | |
Adult Occupant | 87% | 95% |
child occupant | 84% | 77% |
Pedestrians | 64% | 76% |
Active Security | 60% | 60% |
The Seat Ibiza offers better protection in the event of an accident for adult occupants and pedestrians in the event of being run over, while the Ford Fiesta "takes care" more of child occupants in accidents. The score for standard active safety systems is identical, at 60%.
Let's talk about prices
Each model has many combinations of mechanics and finishes, so we are going to look for the access price, the price of the highest version (without adding extras) and the price of a balanced variant, that is, the one that in principle it will take more marketing. All this guided by the prices and information of the brand configurators.
El Ford Fiesta The most accessible corresponds to the Trend finish, the three-door bodywork and the 1.1 hp 70 Ti-VCT gasoline engine, which starts at 9.990 euros. Of course, it is important to note that this engine is only offered in a three-door body. The version more accessible five-door costs 11.027 euros and carries the gasoline engine with 85 hp. On the opposite side, as a more expensive variant we have the Ford Fiesta Vignale with a 120 hp diesel engine, which costs practically 17.000 euros.
In turn, the Seat Ibiza more accessible corresponds to the Reference Plus finish and the 1.0 TSI 95 CV gasoline engine, starting from the 12.540 Euros. A Seat Ibiza FR Plus 1.6 TDI 115 CV diesel goes up to 19.200 euros.
Passing already at more logical and balanced versions for price, equipment and power for this category, we could be talking about a Ford Fiesta Titanium 1.0 Ecoboost 100 hp, which starts from 14.322 euros, and a Seat Ibiza Style Plus 1.0 TSI 95 hp, whose starting price is 14.640 euros. All this, I repeat, speaking of configurator price.
Conclusions
As you have seen throughout the article, the Ford Fiesta and Seat Ibiza are two very similar cars. In my opinion, the Fiesta is a slightly more fun car to drive, with a little more character, although it is true that the Ibiza is a little higher in interior qualities. The Seat model, yes, is much more spacious, which may be a good reason to opt for it instead of the Ford. Now, the decision is yours.
Other rivals of the Ford Fiesta and Seat Ibiza
The B segment is very large and, as rivals of these models, we can also value the Hyundai i20, Kia Rio, Mazda2, Nissan Micra (experiment), Renault Clio, Skoda Fabia (experiment), Suzuki Swift (experiment), Toyota Yaris (experiment) or Volkswagen Polo (experiment), which can offer us similar prices and equipment.
Botton line
Positive points of the Ford Fiesta
- funniest behavior
- Variety of finishes and styles
Negative points of the Ford Fiesta
- Space in the rear seats and trunk volume
- Good qualities, although one point below its rival
Positive points of the Seat Ibiza
- interior qualities
- Greater interior space and habitability
Negative points of the Seat Ibiza
- Sound of diesel mechanics
- Absence of 3-door bodywork and fewer customization styles